Fr. James T. Hanley

Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Paterson NJ

Admitted in 10/4/03 deposition to abusing about 12 boys 1968-82; abuse included oral sex. Also said he had admitted the abuse to Bishop Rodimer in 9/85. Removed from ministry by Rodimer in 1986. Hanley admitted abusing Mark Serrano 1974-81 starting at age 9. Serrano went public 3/18/02. Serrano case was settled by diocese in 1987 for $350K with a confidentiality agreement. Request for laicization granted 2/7/03. One victim died by suicide in 2003. Diocese settled with 21 accusers in 2005. Served one year in jail on weapons charge. On diocese’s list 2/13/19. Lawsuits filed in 12/19 by at least two new accusers. Died in 4/20.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.